By KATIE LAMBESKI
VICTORIA University St Albans Spurs recorded their second win of the season after defeating St Kilda 25.18 (168) to 2.5 (17) at Peanut Farm Reserve on Sunday.
In the reserves clash St Albans edged out the Sharks in a 3.15 (33) to 2.2 (14) win.
St Albans proved too good and too strong for St Kilda over the four quarters, although St Kilda did showed some good signs that weren’t quite reflected on the scoreboard.
A six goal to one opening quarter from the Spurs set the foundation for a big win, with the Spurs looking to get an early advantage on the scoreboard. That was followed by another six in the second half to end the game as a contest. Both sides would face a 30-minute delay as the second quarter would be overshadowed by a neck injury to Spur utility Jen Plumb.
St Albans coaches Lloyd Balshaw and Debbie Lee demanded a more physical dominance from their side and looked for a tighter defence in the second half, asking their charges for a strong run home in the second half.
And St Albans responded with a 13-goal second half. By dominating the centre clearances, the Spurs were able to give great service to their forwards Amy Catterall, Georgia Harris and Emily Smith, who kicked four in the last quarter.
The Saints battled hard and were well served by key player Penny Cula-Reid all game.
In the reserves game, the Spurs ran out 19-point winners, but the scoreboard didn’t really tell the full story of the game.
An even first quarter opened what would be a game where neither team would grab full, decisive advantage for the duration of the contest.
The opening quarter was goalless, although St Albans missed several oppurtunities. The Spurs took a 17-point lead to the half-time break, after capitalising in the second quarter on their stingy defence and midfield efforts who served the forward line well.
The second half saw the Sharks get a sniff after St Albans wasted chance after chance in the 50 in the third quarter, and the momentum turned just before three-quarter time as the Sharks goaled to give them hope in the last quarter.
Trailing by 21 points, the Sharks had the majority of possession in their half and had the Spurs’ defence under pressure. But the backline, led by Alex Brown, Toni Teasdale and Alana Bell, stood tall and snuffed out any St Kilda hope of a comeback.
